7 Ways to Break the Ice with New Tweeps

Each day more people are joining the Twitter world, becoming Tweeps. Twitter allows them to meet and follow people from all over the world. And, just like meeting new people in person, there may be uncomfortable moments in the beginning. Here are seven ways that you can break the ice with new Tweeps.

1. Common Interests
Briefly mention something that you are interested in. This does not mean going on about you, and everything you are doing. It means mentioning your passions or what you are focused on, as this will attract Tweeps with common interests. Parents can swap tweets about kids, while law students can discuss their classes.

2. Current Events
Talk about the news of the day. This can be an actual news event or something like a meteor shower that is going to happen that night. This will draw in those Tweeps who are following the same story and want to offer their take on the event.

3. Animals
One Twitter writer suggests that animals are a common link and can naturally bring like minded Tweeps together. Animal lovers always enjoy talking about their pets and sharing with others. Write a short tweet about your beautiful and funny cat and get ready for the replies.

4. Art and Culture
Next to animals, art and culture are topics that people love to talk about and share with others. Talk about the music you are listening to, or the painting you saw at the museum. Twitter can be like an unending art appreciation forum, opening up new ideas and thoughts on art.

5. Humor
Almost everybody likes a good laugh, and humor has always been a great way to break the ice with new people. The trick is to use humor that is funny, i.e. no old and tired jokes, yet isn’t offensive. If your goal is to make others relaxed and interested in following you, don’t be too over the top.

6. Quotations
People like to be inspired, and to inspire others. Mention your favorite quote and find Tweeps who also like it. Or use a quote on a specific day, such as quoting Abraham Lincoln on his birthday. You can also use Bible verses or other religious sayings if you want to meet up with Tweeps who also find inspiration in these spiritual words.

7. Flattery
Ok, this is a no brainer. Just about everyone likes to be liked and flattered. People are often advised to talk about the other person, not themselves in order to build a relationship. So if you want to break the ice with another Tweep, talk about them and what they are interested in. You’re sure to have Tweeps replying, and hopefully asking about you.

Twitter is the latest step of communication, building on the changes that the internet has already brought about. People are more digitally connected with one another than ever before, and Twittering can be used to create and build even more connections, once you’ve broken the ice with your new Tweeps.

2 Responses to “7 Ways to Break the Ice with New Tweeps”

1. uberVU - social comments says:

   December 4, 2009 at 12:48 pm

   Social comments and analytics for this post…

   This post was mentioned on Twitter by SvenPohl: RT @michael_duvall 7 Ways to Break the Ice with New Tweeps http://bit.ly/CXsZW…

   Reply
2. jd webb says:

   January 27, 2010 at 7:24 am

   I’ll Digg this, thanks!

   Reply